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The impact of neuroinflammation and inflammatory cytokines in depression and suicidal behavior

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 March 2020

G. Serafini*
Affiliation:
Section of Psychiatry- San Martino Hospital- University of Genoa, Neuroscience DINOGMI, Genoa, Italy
M. Pompili
Affiliation:
Sant’Andrea Hospital- Sapienza University of Rome, Neuroscience, Rome, Italy
P. Girardi
Affiliation:
Sant’Andrea Hospital- Sapienza University of Rome, Neuroscience, Rome, Italy
M. Amore
Affiliation:
Section of Psychiatry- San Martino Hospital- University of Genoa, Neuroscience DINOGMI, Genoa, Italy
*
*Corresponding author.

Abstract

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Introduction

It has been suggested that neuroinflammation and inflammatory mediators may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of both major depression and suicidal behavior. Immunological differences have been reported between both subjects with major affective disorders and suicidal behavior.

Objectives

The main objective of this review was to deeply investigate the nature of the association between inflammatory cytokines in depression and suicidal behavior. Aims: The study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the current literature to investigate the association between inflammatory cytokines, depression, and suicidal behavior.

Results

Generally, an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines has been documented in both major depression and suicidal behavior. The presence of major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation/attempts was associated with differences in inflammatory cytokine profile when compared to that without suicidal ideation/attempts. However, not all studies demonstrated a positive correlation between inflammatory cytokines and suicidal behavior.

Conclusions

The mentioned association between inflammatory cytokines, depression, and suicidal behavior does not imply the existence of a causal relationship. Further additional studies should clarify the molecular mechanisms of the immune activation pathways underlying depression and suicidality.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Type
EW193
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2016
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